The Friant Dam on California’s San Joaquin River, built in the 1940’s, is slated for removal as part of today’s Congressional designation of wilderness status and federal protection to 2 million acres across nine states. [social_buttons] Included in Congress’ largest expansion of the wilderness system in 15 years is an ambitious river restoration effort on […]
With Dam Removal, San Joaquin Salmon Will Run Again Read More 👉
Just days after news leaked that Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency will designate CO2 as a pollutant, the EPA has announced that hundreds of mountaintop removal coal mining permits will be put on hold while their impact on streams and waterways is evaluated. [social_buttons] Mountaintop removal is a controversial method of extracting coal that literally blows
EPA Stops Mountaintop Removal; Waterways Still Not Safe? Read More 👉
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/epXNJNjYBvw&hl=en&fs=1] In two vague bills introduced both in the House and Senate of the US Congress, a vast reorganization of America’s agriculture system aimed at tracking and regulating foods for public safety could endanger organic farms and gardens. [social_buttons] The bills, S.425 and H.R.875, attempt to modernize food safety and regulate and standardize agriculture by
Bills Could Reorganize Farming and Criminalize Organic Farming Read More 👉
Oh, Utah — sometimes you’re so cute, like with the recent news that you watch more porn than any other state. But then other times, you’re straight-up scary. [social_buttons] Pending legislation would require that any group looking to issue a stay against a project to prevent environmental harm must first post a bond to cover
Suing to Protect the Environment Could Get Pricey in Utah Read More 👉
The United States Supreme Court ruled today that environmental groups do not have legal standing to sue against the logging or environmental destruction of federal land. [social_buttons] “Broad concerns shared by all citizens, like an interest in ‘good government’ or in the ‘health of the forests,’ are not sufficient to establish standing,” Justice Antonin Scalia
Supreme Court: Citizens Can't Sue to Protect Federal Land Read More 👉
Many zoos are having a tough time surviving in this economy, but PETA has an idea that could help save them, and improve the lives of the animals inside. The soon-to-be approved stimulus plan includes the (slightly altered) Coburn Amendment which essentially tries to guarantee that no one is allowed to have fun during the
PETA to Zoos: Coburn Amendment Got You Down? We Can Help Read More 👉
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/_TB2nxydFLw&hl=en&fs=1] The debate over the aerial killing of wildlife in Alaska rages on with Ashley Judd and Defenders of Wildlife president Rodger Schlickeisen appearing on CNN’s Larry King Live last night. [social_buttons] Judd discusses why she so vehemently opposes aerial hunting (and later name-drops Van Jones and the Green Collar Economy) while Schlickeisen responds to
The Saga Continues: Ashley Judd Responds to Sarah Palin on Larry King [Video] Read More 👉
We wrote this week about the Defenders of Wildlife’s new campaign (and TV spot) against Sarah Palin and her plan to legalize aerial hunting of wolves from helicopters. Palin’s PR team was quick to the punch and issued this strongly-worded (yet weak on facts) response: It is reprehensible and hypocritical that the Defenders of Wildlife
Palin Responds to Defenders of Wildlife, Ignores Main Issue Read More 👉
If I didn’t know any better, I’d congratulate Utah republicans for at least being consistent in their ultra-conservative, anti-choice beliefs by spreading it to all species. But alas, that was not the intention of this new law. [social_buttons] They’ve preemptively passed a law to stop animal rights activists from distributing birth control to deer populations
Utah Legislature Votes to Limit Birth Control… for Animals Read More 👉
Virginia will cut its air pollution inspectors by more than 20% due to a budget shortfall. The Department of Environmental Quality reported that 14 of the 54 inspector positions had been eliminated as part of Governor Timothy Kaine’s proposed $12 million in cuts to the state secretary of natural resources. “If [polluters] are out of
Funding for Virginia's Air Inspector Force Evaporates Read More 👉
President Obama will push for the E.P.A. to allow states to set higher fuel economy standards than the current Federal standards. The Bush administration had not allowed stricter standards than those set by Congress in 2007. “Just days into office, President Obama is showing America and the world that he will lead our country in
Obama To Reverse Bush's Policy on State Fuel Economy Standards! Read More 👉
Germany’s environmental issues advisory body issued a strong advisory for German people to lower their meat consumption, effectively asking the population to eat meat only on special occasions. The advisory board cited that 15% of Germany’s greenhouse gases come from agriculture. Dramatically reducing meat consumption will diminish Germany’s carbon footprint. [social_buttons] “We must rethink our
German Government Advisory: Eat Meat Only on Special Ocassions Read More 👉
Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America today. As one of the first moves of his presidency, he has suspended all of former-President George Bush’s midnight regulations. The order was issued by White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel directly following the swearing in of Obama. The
Bush's 11th Hour Regulations Put On Hiatus by Obama Read More 👉
Soon-to-be-President Barack Obama has appointed animal advocate Cass Sunstein to head the relatively obscure, yet powerful Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. The regulatory czar, as the position is generally called, is responsible for every regulatory agency in the country, such as the EPA, and will oversee all administration rules. Sunstein is best known for
Is There a Vegan In the White House? PETA, Rejoice! Read More 👉
Faced with skyrocketing inflation, a tanking economy, and incredible political instability, the government of Zimbabwe is turning to elephant meat in a desperate attempt to feed hungry soldiers. A senior officer in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces told ZimOnline that Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority struck a deal resulting in the slaughter of elephants to
Elephants Slaughtered to Feed Soldiers in Zimbabwe Read More 👉
A law against selling videos of animal cruelty was overturned last year in favor of Robert J. Stevens and his dog-fight video business. Steep increases in the number of available “crush videos” where small animals are crushed to appease a sexual fetish have prompted a request to the Supreme Court to make this unspeakable act
Free Speech vs Animal Crush Videos: Supreme Court to Decide Read More 👉
Though President Bush remains in office for only two more weeks, he has left a final trail of devastation to cement his legacy in place. From gutting the endangered species act to allowing toxic waste to flow freely, Bush is pushing 11th hour executive orders at a potentially record setting pace. His list of last
Bush Delivers Five Final Blows to the Environment Read More 👉
On Saturday Canada issued new regulations for its annual seal slaughter, banning the skinning of live seals and forbidding the use of the spiked weapon called a hakapik on seals over one-year-old. Unfortunately, most seals killed in the hunt are under a year old so the law will not alter the cruel deaths many seals
New Canadian Seal Hunt Laws Only a Humane Illusion Read More 👉
Following a slew of environmental failures by Bayer CropScience, the EPA has issued a punishment that some say does not go nearly far enough. While the chemical giant will be required to pay about one million dollars in fines and safeguards against future disasters, the punishment will hardly put a dent in their profits, which
Should Bayer be Forced to Buy Gas Masks for an Entire City? Read More 👉
Despite activists’ efforts earlier in the month to stop the Bush administration’s 11th hour changes to environmental regulations, the EPA has gone ahead with undoing some rules. Specifically, they have signed off on loosening 1983’s coal dumping regulation, which prevent dumping within 100 feet of a river. Fortunately, environmental groups are taking the ruling to
Environmentalists Taking EPA Mining Rules to Court Read More 👉
President-elect Barack Obama has rounded off his energy and environment Cabinet, to almost entirely positive remarks from conservation and environmental groups. Drawing from diverse backgrounds, Obama has picked a team that seems to reinforce his promises to reach across aisles while making huge strides towards protecting the earth. The line-up: Secretary of Interior: Ken Salazar
Obama Picks Eco-friendly Cabinet: Should Activists Rejoice? Read More 👉
A video has been flying around the Russian blogosphere of two people dumping about 20 dead and dying sheep onto the streets to oppose what the media have called an anti-government rally. [social_buttons] The sheep were dressed in blue T-shirts and hats reading “Solidarity” and most had their legs broken. The sheep that were still
Russian Political Statement: 20 Dying Sheep Dumped in Street [Video] Read More 👉
Environment groups settled a lawsuit in federal court today with the US Coast Guard, which agreed to abide by the Endangered Species Act which requires that shipping lanes do not put critically endangered Northern Atlantic right whales in harm’s way.
Coast Guard Agrees to be Crossing Guard for Endangered Whale Schools Read More 👉
[social_buttons]Thousands of people rioted on Sunday in Paragominas, Brazil, protesting the government’s crackdown on illegal logging in the Amazon rainforest. The protesters burned vehicles, set the offices of the environmental agency Ibama on fire, and stole 14 trucks carrying 400 cubic meters of logs seized from illegal logging activities in the Amazon. The rioters chased
3,000 Person Mob Attacks Govt. Offices to Protest Crackdown on Illegal Amazon Logging Read More 👉
If you’re one of the millions of California voters who helped pass Proposition 2 on November 4, chances are pretty good that your Thanksgiving meal will include some sort of free-range, hormone-free dead bird—or, if you fall into the veg camp, maybe a more benign Tofurky or Field Roast. But for illegal poachers like Peter
Economic Slump Spawns Rise in Animal Poaching Read More 👉
The Quebec Supreme Court decided Thursday to allow for lawsuits against companies emitting particularly odorous pollution can be sued even if the emissions are under the legal limit. The ruling stemmed from a 1994 class action lawsuit covering 2,000 people near Quebec City who complained about the dust and smell of a local cement plant
Canadian Court: OK to Sue Smelly (Yet Legal) Polluters Read More 👉
To believe, or not to believe? That is the question of many on the far left and the fringes of the environmental movement. We cannot simply hope that Obama follows through with his promises, we must act to guarantee that he does. Nothing represents this dichotomy more than the mixed feelings I have about the
In Obama We Trust? Four Ways to Keep Him in Check Read More 👉
Water is the New Terrorism It was often highlighted after the infamous tragedies of September 11th that terrorism was hardly discussed or barely even mentioned during the campaigning that led up to the 2000 election (Al vs. W). Searching for a way the horrible acts could have been avoided led to a lot of finger pointing and
Addressing Water: Obama Walks on Top Read More 👉
San Francisco’s Prop H is taking on their biggest opponent today – PG&E! The utility company has spent more than $9.9 Million to prevent San Francisco from having cheaper and renewable energy. Come join the rally at: PG&E’s downtown headquarters at 77 Beale St at noon. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/v/IZuwXSbb6WA&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1] They’ll be erecting three twelve-foot “Yes on H”
Prop H Protesters Construct Wind Turbines at PG&E Offices [PHOTOS] Read More 👉
A new amended law in Switzerland protects the dignity of vegetation. A law protecting the dignity of plants? Laugh if you will. I’m down on my knees in respect and awe. At last the Western World is realizing the dire importance of taking other species into account. Recently, the Swiss Parliament asked a panel of
Switzerland Places Ban on the Humiliation of Plants Read More 👉
Others have been saying it for a while now, but former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev has put it most eloquently: there’s no fixing the economic crisis without also taking into account our environmental crises. “This financial turmoil, which will heavily affect the real economy, was absolutely predictable, and it is only one aspect of the
Gorby's Right: Economy, Ecology are Connected Read More 👉
Across the country, cities are passing new laws to allow backyard chickens. Cities across the country have shown new leniency in the urban chicken arena. Ann Arbor, Michigan, South Portland, Maine and Fort Collins Colorado, have all voted in the past year to allow backyard chickens. They join the growing number of U.S. cities
New Cities Join The Urban Chicken Movement Read More 👉
This is a guest post by Meg Hamill, a freelance writer who also works at LandPaths in partnership with the Open Space District of Sonoma County, California. California passes its first law protecting farmers who have not been able to prevent GE contamination of their non GE crops. We’ve all heard the horror stories: A
New California Law Protects Farms Against Genetic Engineering Threats Read More 👉
So, what do you know about Barack Obama’s and John McCain’s energy and environmental policy proposals? Probably the basics: Obama supports spending $150 billion over ten years to kick-start the “green economy.” Both support cap-and-trade systems to address climate change. McCain’s become a strong proponent of opening up more offshore areas to oil and gas
Take Action: Help Dig Up the Details on the Candidates' Energy and Environmental Records Read More 👉
If it wasn’t bad enough that we seem to be pumping more and more in the way of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, we humans seem to be doing a pretty damn good job of eating away any chance of removing said emissions. The latest comes in a one-two punch. First of all experts are
Humans are Slowly and Steadily Destroying the Everglades and Amazon Read More 👉
Every week sees so many developments and news stories about the environment, energy and sustainability, it’s impossible to cover them all in depth. So I thought it would be helpful to occasionally summarize some of the more interesting reports from the past week. Here are a few that caught my eye: Two South African architects
Eco-News Roundup: Stories You Might Have Missed Read More 👉
A federal judge has banned snowmobiles from Yellowstone National Park. He said that a plan approved by the Bush Administration to allow 500 snowmobiles to travel daily through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in the winter months would cause damaging noise pollution, air pollution, and would also stress wildlife.
Court Rules Against Bush Plan to Allow Snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park Read More 👉
A new report says that Big Oil enticed U.S. government employees with sex, drugs, and other “improper” gifts. If any doubt was left about the complicit corruption of current U.S. energy policy, a report released earlier today by the Interior Department’s inspector general stated that U.S. government employees received what they politely called “improper gifts”
Oil and Gas Industry Pays Off US Govt. with Sex, Drugs Read More 👉
Milestone Move by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission It’s taken two decades and billions of dollars, but the proposed Yucca Mountain Nuclear Repository project has finally reached a new plateau. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, (NRC) has accepted an application for licensing, and will begin a lengthy process of safety studies, hearings and public meetings. The application
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Repository One Step Closer to Licensing Read More 👉
I can see the Freecycle post now: OFFER: I have six million carp, good condition. Nothing wrong with them; just have more than I need. You must pick up. The State of Utah might just be posting like this something soon. Apparently, they’re in the market to unload a few carp–approximately six million–that are tearing
Got Fish? Utah's Got Six Million For You. Read More 👉
Yucca Mountain, “Yes”; transport waste through my state?, “No”; what Grand Canyon? It’s hard to tell if Senator McCain’s age is catching up with his memory, or if he’s just trying to ride a lot of fences when it comes to nuclear power. The Sierra Club sent out a release today, pointing out the Senator’s
McCain's Nuclear Razzle-Dazzle Fizzles with Inconsistencies Read More 👉
Gag Order Imposed Your tax dollars at work. The Environmental Protection Agency is protecting itself from everyone, including it’s own Inspector General’s Office. (IG) In a report released by the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility website workers in the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance were forbidden to speak with anyone in an effort
EPA Staff Ordered Not to Talk With Reporters or Investigators Read More 👉
For the 5th time in history, the House Natural Resources committee invoked its authority and ordered the Bush administration to stop mining claims in the Grand Canyon. The measure was urged by Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva of Tucson, chair of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forest and Public Lands. The withdrawal halts thousands of mining
Uranium Mining Claims in Grand Canyon Area Ordered Withdrawn Read More 👉
An Open Letter to Senator John McCain, Presumptive Republican Presidential Candidate This hit me the other day; how does the Republican Presidential Candidate-in-Waiting view the possible mining of uranium just 3 miles from the Grand Canyon? Senator John McCain (R-AZ) knows the canyon well, he’s reportedly hiked it a number of times, knows where the
Does Sen. John McCain Approve of Proposed Uranium Mines Near the Grand Canyon? Read More 👉
For a lot of years, I’ve respected and admired Arizona Senator John McCain, and even though he is a Republican, he seemed to be more moderate than his right-wing compatriots. That changed today when I read that he has proposed construction of 45 new nuclear reactors by 2030. Adding insult to injury, he told a
McCain Wants 45 New Nuclear Reactors and Clean Coal Read More 👉
Step Right Up And Be Amazed It struck me today that our fearless leaders, would-be’s, and corporate giants seem to think we’re all a bunch of rubes gathered outside a carnival sideshow, leaning on the barker’s every word. Urging Congress to lift its ban on offshore oil and gas drilling, our fearless leader, you know,
OIL: Our National Dog and Pony Show Read More 👉
Editor’s note: Lots of books on oil and its role in US economics and politics coming out these days (imagine that!). Our friends at Eco-Libris have the scoop on yet another one: Lisa Margonelli’s Oil on the Brain. This post was originally published on Monday, June 16, 2008. Oil? Yes, oil! Some of you must
Eco-Libris: Green Books — "Oil on the Brain" by Lisa Margonelli Read More 👉
With each passing year a new score of problems arise out of Earth’s changing climate. Whether you blame it on man, natural cycles or the crazy neighbor next door, the effects are unmistakable and must be acted upon. One of those effects that have fallen by the wayside is the massive political and sociological effect
Climate Change Causing Forced African Migration Read More 👉
